Positively

Oh boy...can I tell you how many times I look at the light fixture in our entryway and think about how ugly the brass finish is, or how dirty the glass panes look, or yada yada yada? Well, in an effort to work more on my positive thinking (and a nice little nod to Valentine's Day), I finally realized the cute heart-shaped reflections this casts on the ceiling. A simple little mind-shift that wasn't that hard. For 2012, I really want to make this mind-shift more of a natural habit. Don't get me wrong...I absolutely still want to replace this light fixture, but until we do...I think I'll be okay!

Under the weather

Our little pumpkin's been in need of some TLC these last few days. I hate to see her not feeling well, but selfishly, I love how cuddly she is.




Daddy and her stuffed pal, Violet...what more could a girl want?

I heart her

Per Aunt Theresa's request: another pic of the little one. She makes my heart melt!

Done already?!

Whoa, it's hard to believe we're already one month through 2012! In an attempt to find joy in the simple things this year, here's a sampling of what the Ragers have done to ward off the winter doldrums (although let's be honest, we've been blessed with a mild, mild winter so far!).


Our first annual New Year's breakfast: Banana Nutella crepes :)



Anna's goal for the new year? Work on those toothbrushing skills that currenly consist of sucking on her toothbrush as if it's a lollipop.



Somebody got new running shoes in preparation for a rather large race this fall...that's right, Michael will be competing in the Ironman Wisconsin, which is 140.6 miles in one day...yikes!




The Green Monster!! As part of our healthy eating plan this year, we're incorporating these fruit and veggie smoothies. Make no mistake, people...chocolate and cheese will always be a part of my diet. I'm just trying to get more veggies, and this is a good way for me to "hide" them!



Well, Anna did have a good Christmas, however...she's beyond pleased with this large, empty box.



Beads on the lampshade?? Huge discovery for this little girl!


See? Who said January is a boring month?!

Downtown Day

So, I'm trying to figure out who suffers from cabin fever more: Anna, or her daddy? We recently spent a cold afternoon downtown letting her run up and down the steps of Monument Circle...she couldn't have been more thrilled.

Little Sis is getting married...

So, can you tell I have a love/hate relationship with this whole blog idea? I mean, really, talk about inconsistent posting. Anyway, wedding bells will be ringing next September as my sister prepares to walk down the aisle. Aww...they're so cute!

Did you know I am married to an Ironman?

It's true...he'd specify that he's only half-way there, as he just completed his first Half-Ironman this month. His ultimate goal is to complete a full Ironman, and while I'd love to see him reach that goal, I am no less proud of him regardless of the distance.

It has been quite interesting observing his developing passion towards this crazy sport of triathlons. I admire the patience, discipline, and dedication it has taken for him to learn about the sport and, in only a couple short years, have already come this far.

I admit, I occassionally get tired of the never-ending training sessions, but when raceday comes, I am so proud and happy to cheer him on and see him approach that finish line. Michael, I am so proud of you...70.3 miles on a hot, hot day in July, and you did it!! I love my Ironman.




Us pre-race (and pre-sunburn...yikes!)



Michael's wave getting ready to start...can you see him? Yeah, me neither...



Heading to transition after a really great swim



Heading out for a 56-mile bike ride

Next up: a Half-marathon (13.1 miles)

There he is! Coming in to the finish line!!